New Chair For Placemaking NSW Advisory Committee

Ken Kanofski has been appointed as the new Chair of the independent Placemaking NSW Advisory Committee.

Mr Kanofski has extensive experience in senior roles with the NSW Government including Chief Executive of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Government Property NSW and NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

Announcing the appointment, Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell said the Placemaking NSW Advisory Committee was established in July last year to guide the creation of great places across NSW.

“Ken Kanofski brings a wealth of experience leading strategic and operational reform, combining his commercial skills with a deep knowledge of all levels of government and authentic leadership and communication,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Ken takes over from David Borger who has served as acting Chair since February. I would like to thank David, former Chair Helen Coonan, and all current Advisory Committee and Board members for their tremendous service and support.”

Ms Mitchell said the Advisory Committee would continue to support efforts to streamline the planning, development and activation functions that enable the creation of great public, residential and commercial spaces in NSW.

The Committee provides strategic advice on treasured precincts including The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park; Honeysuckle, Hunter Park and Cockle Creek in the Hunter; and Mt Penang Parklands on the Central Coast.

Ken Kanofski said he was delighted to join the committee at such an exciting time.

“I’m thrilled to be involved and to have such a strong mandate to support the creation of great places for the people of NSW. 

“I’m very fortunate to have such a diverse and focused leadership team to work with – a team that has already set the Advisory Committee and Placemaking NSW on such a positive course.”

Since Placemaking NSW was formed it has:

• Commenced heritage restoration and remediation of the historic White Bay Power Station.
• Supported Sydney Olympic Park successfully to host the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the biggest ticketed event in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest public event held in Australia since COVID.
• Delivered $18 million of maintenance and improvement works across Sydney Olympic Park.
• Driven the post COVID-recovery in The Rocks and Darling Harbour with activations, events, and expanded public space, to attract more visitors.
• Partnered with Venues NSW to secure $6.7 million in funding for further planning for Hunter Park, a regional blockbuster precinct in Newcastle.
• Completed the award-winning Leagues Club Park on the Gosford waterfront.